SHADOW MAGIC, by Joshua Khan

The story: Three teens, separated from their families by distance or death. All three with their own kind of magic, but unable to use it to save themselves--and one necromancer determined to raise the dead to create a zombie army and take over the kingdom. No one can stand against him...but three working together? Might work--as long as you also include the giant bat!

June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult PG-13; GLBT content G; adult themes (death of a parent/being orphaned, treachery by a close family member, the undead) PG; overall rating PG.

Liz's comments: I liked it. All three characters - Thorn, Lily, and K'leef - desperately miss their families, and that's refreshing for a book about this age of kid. Hand this one to your fantasy readers, and to kids who like Rick Riordan's books. Be advised, though - the "undead" factor here might make some parents fussy.